Château Loudenne Rouge 2011

Producer Information

Originally built in the 17th century, Château Loudenne is one of the oldest Cru Bourgeois properties. The elegant pink château sits on the banks of the Gironde where it is one of the first châteaux to greet visitors entering the Médoc from the Atlantic.

Vineyards

“There is no great vineyard which does not overlook the river…”. The château’s vineyards’ gravelly ridges slope gently down towards the Gironde estuary, acting like mirrors. Château Loudenne benefits from sea breezes which are ideal for ripening the grapes, offering concentration through evaporation and ensuring slight humidity. The soils are predominantly of clay, limestone and Garonne gravel.

Winemaking

In stainless steel, thermo-regulated vats. Vatting time is about 3 weeks with punching down of the cap and pumping over taking place regularly. Malolactic fermentation occurs in new French oak barrels as the aromas from the wood are much better integrated into the wine. The wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrels for silky tannins and rounder wines.

16 months in French oak. Rakcing, fining and bottling before summer.

Vintage Information

Loudenne escaped the hail that decimated much of the Médoc, allowing perfect maturation of the grapes. September was ideal picking weather.

Tasting Note

A dark crimson with an intense fruity nose of red berries. Slight woody hint with notes of vanilla.

Good volume on the palate and the attack is well structured and ample. the finish is long, elegant and aromatic with delicate and silky tannins.